Individuals who are looking at their long-term career options all the way up to retirement age could enjoy better health if they continue to work for longer, according to a business improvement strategist.

Dr Lynda Shaw explained that people are now having to work for as long as they can, which is advantageous to companies and the economy because older people have a wider knowledge base and more experience than those who are relatively new to the workplace.

"The great thing about that is they are able to mentor young people - so you get much greater communication, a much greater cohesion in the company and therefore the whole company is more productive," she said.

Working past the age of retirement can also help people feel more valued and stave off the onset of depression.

"Depression is enormously on the increase and so is stress and anxiety. It comes a lot from loneliness, isolation and lack of self-worth. So when people feel valuable enough to stay in work that can only be a good thing," Dr Shaw commented.

"When we have a social environment with work colleagues - and these days - we now understand how to exercise and eat well, cognitively, we have a better chance to stay well. You can actually age more healthily by staying in work - as long as it is work you find fulfilling and not drudgery."

Dr Shaw's comments came after figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the average retirement age for men and women has increased in the last few years, with females finishing their careers aged 62.3 years and males quitting the workplace at 64.6 years.

This has risen from 61.2 years and 63.8 years respectively in 2004, suggesting more people might wish to review their career development in the years before retirement.